Former Gettysburg, PA Mayor, Chad-Alan Carr, has been charged with child sex-related offenses in Adams County after Pennsylvania State Police said he allegedly solicited explicit images from a teenage boy and engaged in sexual activity over video chats between 2011 and 2013.
According to police, Carr is charged with sexual abuse of children, solicitation of sexual abuse of children, and corruption of minors. Investigators said the alleged victim reported that Carr began asking for explicit images when the boy was 16 and that the two also took part in video chats in which sexual acts were discussed and performed.
State police said the alleged conduct took place while Carr was directing the school play at Gettysburg High School and serving as executive director of what is now the Gettysburg Community Theatre. During a news conference, Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett said investigators believe Carr groomed the alleged victim before he turned 16.
Court documents cited by WGAL state that investigators received a ChildLine report in February. The alleged victim told police he had known Carr since he was about 8 years old, but said the inappropriate online conduct did not begin until Carr became involved with the high school musicals, when the victim was in his teens. The affidavit also says Carr referred to the Skype conversations as “late night talks.”
Carr’s arrest came just days after his resignation as mayor. FOX 29 reported that Carr had been sworn in as Gettysburg’s mayor in January after previously serving on Borough Council, and that Borough Council accepted his resignation last week. WGAL reported he had been on the job for a little more than two months.
Carr’s bail was set at $100,000 and that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 20. During the same news conference, prosecutors said they had spoken with other witnesses who described inappropriate conduct, though no additional charges had been announced as of Friday.
Pennsylvania State Police said they are also seeking other possible victims or anyone with information related to the case. Authorities asked anyone who may have had similar interactions with Carr, or who has relevant information, to contact the Gettysburg station at 717-334-8111. WGAL also reported that tips may be submitted through PSP Tips at 800-472-8477.